Target Application

Last Updated: March 22, 2026  |  Reviewed by: OJA Editorial Team

Target by the Numbers

Target Corporation is one of the largest retailers in the United States, with approximately 415,000 team members across ~2,000 stores nationwide (Target FY2025 10-K). The company generated $107.4 billion in annual revenue in FY2025 and operates a competitive hourly wage structure that exceeds industry medians in most markets.

Top Target Entry-Level Positions

Target hires for a variety of hourly roles across store operations, guest services, and logistics. The most common entry-level positions include:

• General Merchandise (GM) Expert — Stocks shelves, maintains store displays, and assists guests with product locations. Available at all Target locations.
• Food & Beverage Expert — Operates the market department, handles prepared foods, and manages inventory in the grocery section. Often posted for multiple shifts.
• Guest Advocate (Cashier) — Operates checkout registers and provides customer service at the sales counter. The most widely available entry-level position.
• Fulfillment Expert — Picks and packs online orders for same-day delivery and ship-from-store services. A growing role as Target expands fulfillment capacity.
• Style Expert – Works in the clothing, accessories, and home furnishings sections; stocks inventory and helps guests find items in their size and style.

Target regularly posts positions across all departments. Availability varies by store location and season — peak hiring runs year-round, with higher volumes during back-to-school and holiday periods.

How Much Does Target Pay?

Target’s starting pay ranges from $15 to $24 per hour, depending on role and location. Most general associate positions start at $15 per hour, while specialized roles like beauty consultants and electronics experts start closer to $24. Target raised starting wages for frontline team members in 2023 and has maintained competitive pay through 2025.

For comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $14.99/hr for retail cashiers (BLS OES, May 2024). Target’s starting rate is above this industry benchmark in most markets. When compared to major competitors, Target’s pay is competitive: Walmart starts at ~$14/hr, while Costco (which hires at 18+) starts at ~$20/hr. Target’s starting rate positions the company in the upper tier of mass-market retail employers.

How to Apply at Target: Step-by-Step

Target’s application process is fully online through jobs.target.com. Applications typically take 15–20 minutes to complete. The company does not accept walk-in applications; all hiring is conducted through the online portal.

1. Search Openings — Visit jobs.target.com and filter by store location, department, and employment type (part-time or full-time). The site shows real-time availability at your chosen Target.
2. Create or Sign In — Register with your email address or sign in with an existing Target or Indeed account.
3. Complete the Application — Provide work history, availability (days and hours you can work), contact information, and personal details. This section takes ~10 minutes.
4. Assessment (Some Roles) — Certain positions include a brief online behavioral assessment. This is typically a short questionnaire about customer service scenarios and work habits.
5. Store Interview — If selected, you are invited to interview in person at the store. Interviews are 20–30 minutes with a department team lead or store manager.
6. Offer – Successful candidates typically receive offers within 1–2 weeks of the interview, communicated via email or phone.
7. Background Check — Standard background check is conducted for all new hires. Some states require additional consent steps before the check runs.
8. Paid Orientation – New team members complete store-specific training, Target culture orientation, and compliance modules. Orientation is paid and typically lasts 4–8 hours.

Target Benefits: Part-Time vs. Full-Time

Target offers comprehensive benefits to both part-time and full-time team members. The key distinction is based on hours: part-time team members who average 32 hours per week over a 60-day measurement period become eligible for health benefits. This is the highest threshold among major retailers (Costco requires 20 hrs/wk, Walmart requires 30 hrs/wk), meaning part-time employees at Target need to work more hours to access benefits compared to competitors.

Dream to Be is Target’s signature education program: the company partners with select colleges and trade schools to allow team members to pursue debt-free degrees in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to skilled trades. Unlike many tuition programs that require reimbursement, Dream to Be typically covers tuition upfront at partner schools.

Brightside is an exclusive Target financial wellness tool that allows team members to access earned wages on the same day — a genuine differentiator for hourly workers facing unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or emergency housing needs. This is particularly valuable for part-time employees managing irregular income.

Target Jobs — Frequently Asked Questions

Does Target hire at 16?

Yes. Target hires team members starting at age 16. This is one of the lowest hiring ages among major retailers. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are regularly hired as Guest Advocates (cashiers), General Merchandise Experts, and Food & Beverage Experts. Some positions involving late-night shifts or heavy equipment may have 18+ restrictions at certain stores, but the vast majority of entry-level roles accept applicants from age 16.

How much does Target pay per hour?

Target’s starting pay ranges from $15 to $24 per hour. Most general associate roles (General Merchandise, Guest Advocate, Food & Beverage) start at $15/hr, while specialized roles like beauty consultants and electronics experts start up to $24/hr. Target raised starting wages for frontline team members in 2023 and continues to offer competitive pay compared to the BLS median of $14.99/hr for cashiers (May 2024).

How long does it take to get hired at Target?

Typically 1–2 weeks. The full process includes an online application (15–20 minutes), a brief online behavioral assessment for some roles, an in-store interview (20–30 minutes), a standard background check (3–7 days), and orientation. Target occasionally makes same-day offers during peak hiring seasons, but 1–2 weeks is the standard timeline.

What benefits does Target offer part-time employees?

Part-time team members who average 32 hours per week over a 60-day measurement period become eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance. All Target team members receive a 10% discount on all merchandise plus 20% off wellness items, access to 401(k) retirement plans, the Dream to Be tuition program, Brightside same-day emergency pay, and paid time off (accrual-based). The 32-hour threshold is higher than Costco (20 hrs) and Walmart (30 hrs), so part-time employees need to work slightly more hours to qualify for health benefits.

Does Target do background checks?

Yes. All candidates undergo a standard background check. Target’s background screening is thorough but does not typically include pre-employment drug testing for store-level hourly positions. Drug testing may occur following a workplace accident or for safety-sensitive roles at distribution centers, but it is not standard for retail store jobs.

What should I wear to a Target interview?

Business casual or neat casual dress is appropriate. Target values a polished, professional appearance that reflects the brand’s retail environment. Red is Target’s signature brand color — wearing a pop of red is noticed positively and signals familiarity with the brand, though it is not required. Focus on clean, well-fitting clothes, groomed hair, and professional shoes.

Can I apply at Target in person?

Target processes all applications exclusively online at jobs.target.com. Walk-in applications are not accepted. If you visit a Target store, team members may direct you to the jobs portal or provide information about how to apply online, but you must complete your application through the website.

Does Target drug test?

Target generally does not pre-employment drug test for store-level hourly positions. Testing may occur following a workplace accident (injury) or for safety-sensitive roles at distribution centers, but it is not a standard screening step for retail cashiers, stock associates, or other frontline store positions. This policy makes Target more accessible for applicants in states with different substance laws.

Is Target a Good Place to Work?

Target holds a 3.6 out of 5.0 rating on Glassdoor (March 2026), which is solid for the retail sector. The company employs approximately 415,000 team members across ~2,000 stores (Target FY2025 10-K), making it one of the largest private employers in the United States.

Positives frequently cited in reviews include: Starting pay is above the BLS median for cashiers ($14.99/hr), the Dream to Be tuition program offers a genuine path to education without debt, the employee discount (10%+20%) is competitive, and the polished store environment creates a professional workplace. Many team members appreciate working for a publicly traded company with stable employment and regular hiring.

Considerations to keep in mind: The part-time health benefit threshold (32 hrs/week) is the highest among major retailers, meaning part-time employees must work more hours than at Costco or Walmart to qualify for medical coverage. Target’s FY2025 financial results showed a slight decline in revenue (down 1.1% year-over-year), though the company continues to hire and invest in frontline retail and fulfillment roles.

Overall, Target is a solid choice for entry-level retail work, particularly if you are seeking starting pay above the industry median, education benefits, and a stable large employer. The position benefits from the company’s scale, brand recognition, and structured benefits programs.